Odisha is pioneer in the energy sector in the country. Whatever reforms the State has undertaken in the sector so far remain unique and different from others,” said Energy Minister Arun Sahoo while inaugurating a national seminar on electricity organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Odisha here on Friday.
The Minister said the Phailin has given a major jolt to the power networks in southern Odisha, especially in Ganjam district. The cyclone devastated four lakh poles in Ganjam alone. It also destroyed 35 substations out of the total 47 and uprooted 100 towers in the district, he added.
FICCI Odisha chairman Subhrakant Panda said the FICCI would interact with each and every stakeholder in the seminar to harness the tremendous potential of the State. “So, we have chosen a few key areas among which energy is on top,” Panda said, adding, “As you know Odisha is a pioneer State in electricity reforms and we have decided to work in the sector.”
Stating about the objective of the seminar, Panda said the FICCI would discuss in detail about renewable energy, smart grid, transmission and distribution in the seminar and make a roadmap of development after proper deliberation and debate over the subject.
After witnessing the effect of the Phailin’s effect and resultant floods, Panda said, the FICCI would modify its expert recommendations in the seminar that can help the electricity sector in an effective way during natural calamities in the State.
Among others, Energy Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) Chairman SP Nanda, FICCI Odisha Energy Panel Chairman Sanjeev Das and Government officials were present.